HB1253
To Adopt The Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact In Arkansas.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill proposes that the State of Arkansas adopt the Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (REPLICA). The Compact aims to facilitate the interstate practice of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, such as EMTs and paramedics, by establishing a system of mutual recognition of licenses among member states. It is intended to increase public access to EMS personnel, enhance public safety, and encourage cooperation among states in EMS licensure and regulation. The Compact outlines definitions for various EMS roles, types of actions against licenses, and key terms. It establishes criteria for an individual's 'home state' and their 'privilege to practice' in 'remote states'. The bill also includes provisions for expedited licensure for military members and their spouses. Furthermore, it details procedures for reporting and taking adverse actions against EMS personnel licenses across member states. The Compact's provisions would prevail over conflicting terms in the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) during declared states of emergency.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
['Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, including EMTs and paramedics, who would benefit from the ability to practice across state lines with greater ease, potentially increasing employment opportunities and flexibility. Military members separating from active duty, and their spouses, would also benefit through expedited licensure processes. The public would likely benefit from increased availability of qualified EMS personnel, especially during emergencies or in areas with EMS shortages. Member states would benefit from enhanced cooperation in regulating EMS personnel and a more unified approach to public safety in emergency medical services.']
Who Might Suffer?
["The primary entities potentially negatively impacted are state EMS regulatory bodies that may face new administrative burdens or require adjustments to their existing licensing and oversight processes to comply with the Compact's requirements. While not directly negatively impacted, the public's safety could be indirectly affected if the Compact's enforcement mechanisms are not robust or if instances of adverse actions are not effectively communicated and acted upon by all member states. There is also a potential for complexity in navigating different state laws and regulations, even with the Compact, for individual EMS providers and the agencies that employ them."]